Wire stealing in Alta Vista

Man arrested for stealing wires in Boracay resort

October 22, 2008 2:45 pm by pna 

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan, Oct. 22 — A 25-year-old man was charged for theft at the Aklan Provincial Prosecutors Office in Kalibo after he was discovered stealing a kilo of electrical wires in Alta Vista Resort here.

The suspect, identified as Bobart Magpusao of Ibajay, Aklan, was arrested after his lunch box was discovered by a security guard to contain electrical wires taken from the construction of the said resort.

The Alta Vista is owned by the David M. Consunji, Incorporated (DMCI).

In an interview, Security Guard Jonnel Galicha of Jopra Security Agency based in Cubao said they were ordered to strictly monitor construction workers who were suspected of stealing electrical wiring and other construction materials in the resort.

"There are 500 construction workers in Alta Vista the reason why we are having a hard time in monitoring the rampant stealing of construction materials in the resort.

"Workers who were found stealing materials are being dealt with accordingly since they have already been warned not to steal items from the construction site," said Galicha.

Magpusao, on the other hand, said that he is supposed to use the electrical wires at home. It was learned that a kilo of electrical wire cost P350 each in Metro Manila.

According to Supt. Arnold Ardiente, Boracay police chief, stealing of materials is common in construction sites in this resort island.

Initial records from the police showed that at least every week, a laborer is being sued for theft or for stealing construction materials.

Aside from the DMC, the construction of the Shangrila Resort here was also not spared from the series of stealing incidents.

"Last month, a driver assigned in the construction of the Shangrila Resort was arrested after he was discovered stealing hundred kilos of construction items," Ardiente said, adding that stealing has become a peace and order concern in the different resorts.

It was learned that each company (resorts owner) has been losing thousands of pesos in investments because of the rampant stealing of construction materials in this resort island. (PNA)

LOR/AJP/JNAguirre/vlo